2021 is the 15th anniversary of their debut album, and The Fratellis are still a force to be reckoned with. The trio has proved this with their new album ‘Half Drunk Under a Full Moon‘.
Having released snippets of the album right before the pandemic hit, The Fratellis left fans waiting for their new hits. ‘Half Drunk Under a Full Moon’ is an album that demonstrates how The Fratellis are able to stick to their roots, whilst also being able to grow and feature new elements. Ultimately, this has made their new releases a worthwhile wait. On this album, the trio incorporates their iconic bass guitar melodies and playful drums. Adding to their recognisable sound is some new features, like unexpected and lively horns, heard on ‘Six Days in June‘. Jon Fratelli (lead vocals) elaborated on these new additions and mentioned that: “On the last record we broadened our sound by trying out new ideas. With this album, the plan was to push those ideas even further”.
The Fratellis are a well-known indie rock band who have proven their success, album after album, since 2006. Their debut album ‘Costello Music‘ received enormous support, and their single ‘Chelsea Dagger‘ amounted significant praise. The Scottish trio has since continuously released playful and melodious songs, reaching regular places in the charts with their albums.
The album kicks off with the previously released single ‘Half Drunk Under a Full Moon‘, which sounds like it could be from a blockbuster film soundtrack. The several references to pop culture, (including mentions of Cinderella and Johnny Depp) illustrate the smart and light-hearted lyrics written by the band.
“And they all got down to the Cinderella quickstep / In living colour, cheekbones like Johnny Depp”
‘Half Drunk Under a Full Moon’ also alludes to the heavy ‘60s influence on the album: “Each and every one had a look on their face / Like the ‘60s just died”. This upbeat and dynamic single definitely radiates the energy needed for the summer ahead, and is a perfect start to the album. ‘Need a Little Love‘ prolongs the euphoric energy and incorporates more trumpets and brass. This love ballad is truly blissful and immediately makes you want to dance with your other half. The Fratellis allude to the magical and spellbinding feeling of love during the theatrical bridge of the song, where the harmonious and symphonic strings emulate this fairy-tale-like emotion.
“Need a little love / I won’t say no to you / I’d pray softly and then maybe / You could break this spell”
With ‘Hello Stranger‘ and ‘Action Replay‘, The Fratellis add elements of tranquillity to their album. The heavy folk influence in these songs balances the energetic and lively rock aspects that can be heard on the rest of the album. ‘Strangers in the Street‘ acts as the perfect middle ground between these two sounds, encompassing the roaring highs of ‘Half Drunk Under a Full Moon’ and the calm and comforting elements of ‘Action Replay’. Of course, it would not be a complete album if there weren’t any songs emanating the iconic and unique sounds of The Fratellis. ‘Oh Roxy‘ and ‘Living in the Dark‘ take on strong percussion and intricate bass lines, clear and recognisable motifs of their previous releases.
Ultimately, The Fratellis have returned even stronger than before. This dynamic album presents 10 well-balanced tracks, with euphoric highs and composed lows. It perfectly encapsulates the endless musical capabilities that this band has to offer. They are ready to hit the stage and share this uplighting energy with their live audiences.
